Classic Shots: The Greatest Images from The United States Golf Association
Published by National Geographic Books, 2007
Reviewed by: Bill Castner
The USGA has released a delightful golf photography book, Classic Shots: The Greatest Images from The United States Golf Association. The book illustrates the things that I believe make golf such a special game.
Marty Parkes, the senior director of communications at the United States Golf Association (U.S.G.A.), put the book together. The United States Golf Association (USGA) has served as the national governing body of golf for the U.S., its territories and Mexico since its formation in 1894. It’s a non-profit organization run by golfers for the benefit of golfers. The Association sponsors a variety of programs that benefit everyone who plays the game, from conducting 13 national championships each year, to writing and interpreting the Rules of Golf, to funding turf grass and course maintenance practices, to supporting grassroots programs through its For the Good of the Game initiative.
In the opening photograph of the book (cover page), John Murmett already treats us to a spectacular shot, with his two-page spread of the eighth hole at Pebble Beach. Your eye is treated to the obstacles the golfer faces –rough, bunkers, hills, gorse, cliffs, ocean, wind, length, and an undulating putting surface. The reader is already treated to some of the many special aspects of the golf course.
The next photograph, by J.D. Cuban, is an ankle-view photograph of the late great Payne Stewart. We see each sock that Payne is wearing, standing in the same pose as Payne did. It is apparent that Payne is standing on the putting green patiently watching another golfer putt. This photograph certainly illustrates the interaction between players and the etiquette - another special aspect of golf.
After a lengthy introduction and historical background (partially written by Arnold Palmer), the book’s photographs are divided geographically. From varying photographs that span many years, the book explores the golf in the Northeast, the South, the America’s Heartland, and the Western region of the United States. An additional section features photographs from outside of the United States.
When thinking about a favorite photograph, it is very hard to pick one out of such a great collection. One real stand-out is a staged photograph by John Mummert, with Sam Snead playing from a deep water hazard (see page 134).
Other highlights are golf’s great players and courses, including ones of Harry Vardon, several United States Open Champions, the Bridge at Binniekill, Jack Nicklaus chipping, Tom Watson with his caddie Bruce Edwards (who pasted away from ALS several years ago), Arnold Palmer, Tommy Armour, Tiger Woods, Natalie Gulbis, Glenna Collett Vare, Prairie Dunes Golf Course, Bob Jones, Mike Bell, the many trophies, and views of golf course construction.
If you are still not convinced, you should be. There are so many interesting, moving, and beautiful scenes that you must see this book. The book is available at local bookstores and also on-line.
